Boots False Nails
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I feel like someone needs to talk about Boots brand false nails. I think they’re such a good value option for an instant manicure in a pinch and I rarely see them on social media for some reason, so thought I’d write my own review in the hopes it might encourage more people to give them a go. If, like me, you’re lacking in the nail growth department but also lack the time, money and inclination to get your nails done frequently, diy press-on and glue-on nails can be a really good shout.
I’ve been using glue-on fake nails on and off for the best part of twenty years now and have tried a lot of different brands. Elegant Touch, Kiss, Broadway and Superdrug false nails have all served me well but there’s definitely a standout brand for me that ticks all the boxes – Boots! I buy the standard pre-polished square nails but there are a variety available including different lengths, shapes and colours, as well as a big ol’ box of completely bare nails you can polish or decorate yourself. The standard nails are the perfect length for me as I type on a laptop most days and have one nappy-clad child so I personally can’t cope with long nails (shout out to all those mummas with gorgeous long nails that get by just fine!) I also get especially frustrated by long thumb nails so the shorter length of these is ideal. If you have particularly long nail beds (or lengthy nails already) these might even be too short for you.
My favourite colour in the range is probably Regal Oxblood – a beautiful deep red – but there are plenty of options, including the blue set I have on in the images, as well as patterned nails.
How to Apply Glue-On Nails
If you’re reading this you are probably already aware of how to apply fake nails using glue but I’ll tell you anyway! Take a bit of time ‘trying on’ the different sizes so you can find the best fit for each of your nails. If I’m feeling particularly organised, which is virtually never, I’ll lay out the nails I’ve chosen in some kind of order. This is so I can then go in and just concentrate on gluing them on without worrying about digging through the pack to find the next size I need while glue is still setting. Then, if you have a a little nail file handy, gently buff the top of each of your natural nails. You want to take some of the shine off and rough up the surface a little. This will help the glue adhere and increase the longevity of your nail set, so it’s worth doing this little step if you can. It’s also important to start with clean, dry hands and nails.
When you’re ready to apply, add a drop of glue to the underside of the artificial nail and spread it out quickly using the glue nozzle (or do as I do and apply a small blob and see what happens), then carefully press the false nail down onto your natural nail, holding it in place for around ten seconds to allow time for the glue to bond. The Boots branded glue that comes with the nails is pretty decent itself and dries quickly BUT I would be fibbing if I said it wasn’t the best glue for falsies I’ve used. The Elegant Touch glue is slightly superior in terms of longevity, so if you find that the Boots glue doesn’t give you the hold you want (as in, past a few days), give the Elegant Touch one a try.
Do Boots False Nails Last?
Once you’ve glued all of your nails down you should be good to go! That’s what I love about these nails, once they’re on, they’re perfect – I don’t need to file them down to make my life easier, even the thumbs! Even though they are designed to last up to 7 days, I’ve had these nails last literal weeks on my hands and I’m not a person who bothers with gloves for the washing up but I am a person who will use my nails for opening ring pulls and breaking down cardboard boxes. Hopefully you get the gist, these are sturdy.
In case you’re wondering how to take them off, official instructions state to trim the nails down and soak in acetone to soften the glue. I’m not going to pretend that I’ve ever done this for stick-ons but I am going to pretend that I don’t pick and peel them off when I want them done. That would be irresponsible and potentially damage the natural nails…
Boots Polished Nails come in packs of 24 and retail for £5.50 but they’re usually on sale or part of some kind of deal – the ones I’m wearing now set me back £2.20 as they had a special Clubcard price.
